Young, Claudius

Claudius Young was born in Rome, Italy on August 8, 1892. He was orphaned as a small child, and through whatever means eventually found a home with foster parents in Vancouver, British Columbia. As a young man, he lived in Lethbridge, Alberta and was employed for several years on the Crowsnest Branch of the CPR as a fireman. He was preparing to take the CPR engineer exam when he enlisted. Claude was well known in Lethbridge and had been dubbed with the nickname ‘Brigham’ Young. On September 24, 1914, Claude Young traveled to Valcartier and enlisted with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse. He was among the first men in Canada to answer the call for service. Following harsh winter months spent on the Salisbury Plain in England, Pte Young embarked with his unit for France on May 4, 1915. He was on the frontlines for less than three months when he received a serious gun shot wound to his leg while fighting near the France-Belgium border. On July 22, 1915, Pte Young died from shock suffered as a result of his gun shot wound. He was laid to rest at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension. Claude Young was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914/15 Star. The medals along with the death plaque were sent to Master Eric Wellsman in England as designated by Claude Young.